Celluloid Japanese Woman

This unique celluloid purse has the head of a Japanese woman, possibly a geisha. The frame has a faceted appearance. The frame has a purse bag made of a piece of Chinese embroidered silk with bats and peaches on it. Bats are symbols of good fortune. A picture of a bat (fu 蝠) can be a visual pun for "good fortune" or happiness (fu 福) because both characters are pronounced fu. Two bats facing each other mean double good fortune or happiness. Peaches are symbols of longevity. The bag, while not original, was most likely added in the 1920s given the textile and condition it is in. A line of celluloid beads decorates the outside edge.

Collection of Jennifer Whitehair